EZ
Emily Zagula
  • Mundelein, IL

Zagula takes role at Iowa State University as Peer Mentor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

2016 Sep 14

Emily Zagula, majoring in Global Resource Systems at Iowa State University, is serving as a Peer Mentor for the Globe Learning Community during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Learning communities function as a space to help first-year and transfer students transition to Iowa State by providing an introduction to the university while connecting them to departments, academic advisors, fellow students and faculty. Peer mentors, like Zagula, play a vital role in learning communities by sharing examples of their own student experience, providing perspective as one who, not so long ago, made the very same transition to Iowa State.

Students participating in learning communities generally take common courses, like English and math, in addition to participating in activities such as attending lectures or field trips that connect coursework with professional skill development. Learning communities may also include a residential component, where members live together on the same floor (or near each other) in a campus residence hall. Peer mentors in each learning community may be responsible for helping organize study groups, social events, and out-of-class activities for members.

Learning communities, which have been at Iowa State for 20 years, don't just provide benefits for new students; they provide learning experiences for peer mentors as well. Peer mentors in each learning community can gain skills in project management, leadership, and both interpersonal and group communication.

There are 20 different learning communities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and approximately 150 peer mentors. Iowa State's more than 80 learning communities have served over 56,000 students. Learn more about learning communities at www.lc.iastate.edu.